Ess V Sydney Matchups

[sharpie]

I reckon Leo Barry would be an awesome match up for Hirdy. He's got the pace and strenght overhead, and his rebounding would really make Hird play tight defensively. The only problem is that we cant afford to take Barry out of a key defensive position with our lack of key defenders. C.Bolton will probably get first dibs at Hirdy I think.

[hird_god]

I'd expect if Leo Barry is on Hird it wouldn't change Hird's defensive game one bit, he pays no credit to his opponent. With Barry on him he'd play more in the midfield than forward, wheras playing Kirk on him would lead to him floating forward more often. Carlton and Port Adelaide have had reasonable success playing an unassuming, less talented player who has no other clear role in the side. Cochrane kept him well, and McGrath played a very good game on him. When Hird is on his game noone can stop him, so by playing someone less important on him you don't pay the price in your setup as well. Tagging is a simple job, keep close to the man, it doesn't need your best player to do it.

[Barry Schneider]

Ablett might be the man.He tagged Lappin and did alright and he is a decent kick so if he does get a posession he can be damaging and can kick a goal or two.

[cressakel]

Originally posted by sharpie
I reckon Leo Barry would be an awesome match up for Hirdy. He's got the pace and strenght overhead, and his rebounding would really make Hird play tight defensively. The only problem is that we cant afford to take Barry out of a key defensive position with our lack of key defenders. C.Bolton will probably get first dibs at Hirdy I think.

Don't even think that way Sharpie.

Barry might match Hird for strength and pace, but he has never ever played a midfield role and will run out of puff within a quarter and a half.

Hird has a motor that very few players have - he just keeps going and going....

[Wil]

Originally posted by hird_god
Laycock is a very strong mark of the ball, he has the best set of hands i've seen on a young player. However, if there is any suspect area of his game it is his upper body strength, I don't know whether he can take as good a pack mark at AFL level as he can in the VFL - big difference in strength of defenders at the two levels. He is a good kick, but has struggled disposal wise in his 2 games, mind you it was wet in both. If he plays forward, I expect him to kick 3 goals minimum. He's young, and like all big men this early - they can do anything or nothing.

Laycock is the kind of young player I would like Roos to be adding in the draft this coming offseason... maybe I should say playerS we need a few big men forward, middle and back.

[swansrule100]

barry on lloyd
kennelly on hird
schuable on lucas

dunno.

i think our midfield is the key have to out run the bombers

[NMWBloods]

I think the way to beat Hird is to crush him - pound him and destroy him every possible opportunity. Nothing illegal, just simple bone-jarring tackles and bumps.

[swansrule100]

hird is soft! so i agree NMW...

as long as craig bolton doesnt get him again!

[Barry Schneider]

Originally posted by swansrule100
hird is soft! so i agree NMW...

as long as craig bolton doesnt get him again!

Hird isn't soft.He is a tough bloke whose body can't always match his heart.He plays with injury and never shirks a contest.
I don't want Bolton on him.He would kill us.His ribs are suspect at the moment so alot of physical pressure should be applied to him.

[swansrule100]

hirds a good player but hes hardly a tough nut!

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by Barry Schneider
Hird isn't soft.He is a tough bloke whose body can't always match his heart.He plays with injury and never shirks a contest.

Exactly - this is precisely what I meant. Hird definitely isn't soft - anything but. However, when he is battered around he loses some of his influence.

[Barry Schneider]

Originally posted by swansrule100
hirds a good player but hes hardly a tough nut!

Toughness in my opinion is not how much you can give out but how much you can take.Compare Hird to Mark Johnson.Johnson likes giving it out and playing the hard man yet his bowels loosen when he needs to keep his eyes on the ball eg his Carlton dog effort.

[boroboy]

Originally posted by swansrule100
hirds a good player but hes hardly a tough nut!

I can't believe I just read that. Hird is undoubtedly one of the toughest / bravest players I've ever seen - the man plays way beyond the pain threshold of probably any other player in the AFL. If any of you think 'roughing him up' will affect his game then you're seriously mistaken. He may not be hard in the mould of a Glenn Archer but geez, he is as tough as nails.

I'd add he's certainly better than a 'good player'. 'Absolute Gun' might be more appropriate...

[Wil]

Originally posted by swansrule100


as long as craig bolton doesnt get him again!

I thought Craig Bolton did a good job on Hird last time - Anytime Hird gets a few touches the media and Essendon fans automatically make him BOG. I thought C-Bolt was a bit hard done by in that match.

Has Kirk ever tagged Hird? I don't remember him doing so...

[dread and might]

i doubt that Hird will take one opponent for the whole game, but FWIW i reckon stick Mathews on him at the start and switch C bolt onto him if necessary.